Raiders Rookies Who Can Start Immediately
The Las Vegas Raiders, by all accounts, had an impressive 2026 NFL Draft.
Just a few weeks ago, the Raiders added their future franchise quarterback and multiple potential starters. General Manager John Spytek knows how important this rebuild is, and he started it off on the right note.
Las Vegas only won three games last season, and Klint Kubiak is taking over as head coach, so only a few starting spots should be guaranteed. The lack of guaranteed starters opens the door for rookies to earn those roles.
Which rookies have the best chance to be starters in Week 1? Let's break down three starters who we may see earlier than expected.
For this exercise, we won't include Fernando Mendoza because he'll likely sit behind Kirk Cousins for a while until he's ready.
Defensive Back Treydan Stukes
A high-character, high-IQ ball-hawk should find his way into the starting lineup for a Raiders team that has failed to take the football away over the past few seasons.
Stukes has length and versatility, and the Raiders should be able to play him at any defensive backfield position. Outside corner, slot corner, safety, he can play any of those spots.
Eric Stokes should hold down one of the starting cornerback spots, but Stukes should have a shot at starting at safety, especially if the Raiders want to have Isaiah Pola-Mao in a reduced role. He should improve the secondary from day one.
Offensive Lineman Trey Zuhn III
The Raiders need help on the interior offensive line, and Zuhn can play almost any spot.
Zuhn was one of the best pass-blockers in all of college football last season, earning the highest pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Whether Cousins or Mendoza starts, Zuhn will be a part of a group that keeps them protected.
The Raiders have a few young, intriguing pieces on the interior, but with this regime drafting Zuhn, he has an inside track to a starting role. Will we see him at left guard in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins?
Cornerback Jermod McCoy
It all depends on his health, but McCoy was a top-10 talent in the draft class, so he could be the team's best corner almost immediately.
McCoy's knee health is a major issue, but if it somehow comes back clean and he's ready to play Week 1, there's no reason to believe he won't be a starter. His elite fluidity in coverage and downfield speed made him such a special prospect.
The Raiders need all the help they can get in the secondary, and McCoy could provide that if he has no lingering knee issues. He has star potential, which would change the entire outlook of Las Vegas' defense.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/raiders/onsi as Raiders Rookies Who Can Start Immediately.
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 8:30 AM.